The Brazil international has signed on loan from Queens Park Rangers to gain regular playing time ahead of the World Cup. Bezbatchenko believes the veteran stopper's arrival shows Toronto FC’s intent to challenge this season.

“We had an opportunity to add a world-class goalkeeper who is going to be playing at the World Cup in Brazil and who is a champion,” he told mlssoccer.com. “If we are trying to create a winning culture here, who better to have than one of the most winning ‘keepers in the world. Few 'keepers can compare to what Júlio has done in terms of winning.

“Ten trophies at Flamengo, Five Scudetti, a Champions League title in 2010 and a FIFA Club World Cup. He has also been named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year two times and was a Ballon d'Or nominee with Inter Milan. With Brazil he has won two Confederations Cups and a Copa América title, and he was named to the Brazil squad for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and is expected to be in Brazil this summer.

“All these accomplishments show that he is a true champion. And any time you have a chance to bring on someone with his type of pedigree, you take it.”